Maldon’s infamous Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas returns this August for an expanded three-day festival. Inspired by the dark undercurrent of the 1850s Victorian Goldfields and intriguing stories of the past, Goldfields Gothic showcases the dark side of the Goldfields in all its gruesome glory.
The many eerie events on offer include ghost and cemetery tours, themed food experiences, workshops, performances, plus talks on death, goldfields history, and the shadowy side of life.
Highlights of the program include an exclusive performance by iconic Australian new wave band Real Life (remember their hit song Send Me An Angel?) and the mysteriously magical Sass and Secrets featuring Australia’s most renowned female magician and mentalist Cath Jamison.
Continuing the celebration of dark things, the Australian Hearse Owners Association of Australia will be bringing their annual national meetup to Maldon as part of the festivities.
Freakish families won’t be disappointed, with a range of family-friendly events on offer including the dress-up Maldon Gothic and Victorian Picnic, magic workshops, and the new Dark Market featuring purveyors of alternative goods.
The all-important Gin Palace Festival Bar will be back plus a few exciting new additions including; Fright Night, a mini music festival, the Groosome Roofest, and the Ghost Train, with a live cabaret show performed on one of Victorian Goldfield Railway’s heritage engines.
Festival Co-Director Valentina Tansley said she is looking forward to this year’s event.
“Goldfields Gothic was a huge success last year and brought a new diverse audience to the region. We are delighted to be presenting our second festival in 2023 and look forward to exploring the dark side of the goldfields in Maldon again,” said Valentina.
Goldfields Gothic will run from Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6. Tickets on sale from Friday, April 28.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the festival website at www.goldfieldsgothic.com.